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Keeping both you and your baby healthy while breastfeeding requires a proper meal plan and some guidance. If you’re seeking a structured approach to safely lose weight postpartum, consider exploring our courses.
Many new mothers are unaware that pelvic floor physical therapy is an option after birth. Here are 5 reasons you need to see a physical therapist for your pelvic floor.
This is a guest post written by Dr. Jena Bradley, DPT, a mother of four and blogger at Live Core Strong. She offers valuable insights on when to see a physical therapist.
Many women experience postpartum pain, incontinence, abdominal separation such as diastasis recti, or other women’s health-related issues after childbirth. Physical therapy can help address these problems, so you no longer have to endure them. Learn about the 5 most common postpartum diagnoses that physical therapy can treat.
5 Top Reasons To See A Physical Therapist After Birth
Physical therapy has many branches. When it comes to postpartum therapy and diagnoses caused by pregnancy and childbirth, the relevant division is called Women’s Health. A Women’s Health Physical Therapist specializes in treatments for women-related diagnoses, including prenatal and postpartum therapy.
The top 5 reasons to see a physical therapist after giving birth are:
- Diastasis Recti
- Back Pain
- Pelvic Pain
- Incontinence
- Pelvic Floor Weakness and Prolapse
This post will help you understand each of these diagnoses, their signs and symptoms, and when it’s time to see a physical therapist.
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis Recti is common, occurring in 33-60% of pregnant and postpartum women. It results from the stretching of the abdominal wall as the uterus grows, causing the right and left abdominal muscles to separate. This separation can impair abdominal function.
The primary symptom of Diastasis Recti is a separation between the right and left sides of your abdomen. This separation can be visible when lying flat and attempting a sit-up. A bulge may appear between the left and right sides, indicating diastasis recti. You can perform a self-test to determine if you have diastasis recti.
Symptoms:
- Back pain due to abdominal weakness, causing strain on the back
- Poor posture from weakened abdominal muscles
- GI disturbances and constipation
Consider exploring the Ab Rehab and Pelvic Floor Restore program to guide you through healing your core and diastasis recti at home.
When to see a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist:
Schedule an appointment with a Women’s Health Physical Therapist if you have a greater than 1.5 finger width separation between your abdominal muscles and experience aggravating symptoms. Addressing these issues early can prevent worsening during future pregnancies.
If you’re ready to start physical therapy exercises for diastasis recti, you might find this resource helpful: 11 Diastasis Recti Core Exercises For Your Postpartum Belly + Video.
Back Pain
Back pain during pregnancy is common due to added weight and hormonal changes. This pain often persists postpartum as ligaments and muscles remain strained. Injuries can also occur during childbirth due to the demands on back muscles.
Symptoms:
- Ache and pain during activities like sitting, standing, walking, lifting, nursing, lying down, and rest
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Weakness in the legs
- Loss of motion in the spine, difficulty bending over
When to see a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist for Back Pain:
If your back pain worsens or doesn’t improve over 2-3 weeks, consult a physical therapist for an exam and treatment. Proper exercises and modalities can mitigate pain and prevent further strain from caring for your newborn.
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is common after childbirth due to the baby’s passage through the birth canal and pressure on the pelvic bone. This can lead to fractures, bruising, or strained connective tissue.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the hip, groin, and/or pubic regions
- Sharp pelvic pain during activities like sitting, standing, lying down, resting, walking, and intercourse
- Direct pressure causes pain
- Incontinence (bowel or bladder)
When to see a Physical Therapist:
If home remedies don’t relieve pain within 2-3 weeks, seek a physical therapist. They can help relax or strengthen pelvic floor muscles, depending on your diagnosis.
Incontinence
Incontinence occurs when urine leaks due to pressure on the bladder. This is not normal, and pelvic floor muscles should withstand everyday pressures. If you experience unexpected wetness, you may have incontinence.
Symptoms of Stress Incontinence after childbirth:
- Loss of bladder function and wetness due to coughing, sneezing, laughing, standing up, getting out of a car, lifting, exercise, or intercourse
When to see a Physical Therapist:
If bladder problems persist 6 weeks postpartum, consult a women’s health physical therapist. Frequent incontinence episodes affecting your quality of life warrant medical advice. Physical therapy can help reactivate your pelvic floor to function normally and prevent further incidents.
Pelvic Floor Weakness and Prolapse
Weakness after pregnancy and childbirth is common due to constant pressure and strain. After childbirth, pelvic floor muscles may be weakened.
If you think you have pelvic floor weakness, here are some common symptoms:
Symptoms:
- Incontinence and leaking small amounts of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or running
- Unable to control gas/air release from the anus or vagina when bending over or lifting
- Reduced sensation in the vagina
- Tampons that dislodge or fall out
- A distinct bulge at the vaginal opening
- A sensation of heaviness in the vagina
- Constant, deep aching in the vagina
These symptoms can be distressing and should not be ignored. If you experience heaviness or a bulge in your vaginal opening, known as prolapse, physical therapy can help. A therapist can teach you proper pelvic floor exercises and use specialized equipment to ensure correct performance.
Pelvic floor muscles weaken with age, leading to complications like worsening incontinence, pain, and difficulty with intercourse if untreated. Seek a physical therapy exam if symptoms persist beyond your 6-week postpartum check-up.
Schedule An Exam With A Women’s Health Physical Therapist
If you’re looking for a Women’s Health Physical Therapist, use this tool FIND A PT to search for a specialist in your area. You can also contact Dr. Jena Bradley for questions related to Women’s Health and Physical Therapy. She is happy to help and responds promptly to messages.
Keep Smiling,
Dr. Jena Bradley, DPT
Meet Dr. Jena Bradley:
Dr. Jena Bradley is a mom of four, a physical therapist, and the founder of Live Core Strong, a blog focusing on motivating moms to incorporate fitness and fun into their motherhood journey. She aims to be the friend you always wanted to guide you through challenging mommy moments. Learn more about Jena and check out her blog here.
If you haven’t yet, explore our courses for more guidance on postpartum recovery.
FAQ
What is the role of a pelvic floor physical therapist?
A pelvic floor physical therapist specializes in treating issues related to the pelvic floor, including postpartum recovery, incontinence, and pelvic pain. They provide exercises and therapies to strengthen and restore pelvic floor function.
How soon after childbirth should I see a pelvic floor physical therapist?
It’s advisable to consult a pelvic floor physical therapist if you experience symptoms like incontinence, pelvic pain, or diastasis recti that persist beyond 6 weeks postpartum. Early intervention can prevent worsening of these conditions.
Can pelvic floor exercises be done at home?
Yes, many pelvic floor exercises can be done at home. However, consulting a physical therapist ensures you’re performing them correctly and addressing your specific needs. Programs like the Ab Rehab and Pelvic Floor Restore program offer guided exercises for home practice.
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